Samsung ATIV Odyssey Reviewed

Mobileburn have posted their review of the mid-range Windows Phone 8 handset, the Samsung ATIV Odyssey, which is $50 on Verizon.

They were not particularly impressed with the pentile display on the 4 inch device, where happy with Windows Phone 8, except for the app catalogue, happy with the battery life,Â found the camera has issues with exposure and moderately poor light,Â and generally felt other Windows Phones offered more value for money.

They concluded:

Samsung is the most successful smartphone producer, but the ATIV Odyssey does not feel like something that has the full weight of the company behind it. The internal specs of the device empower an agile, solid performer that defies the logic of midrange smartphones, but the lack of clarity in the display leaves much to be desired. That persistent external flaw unfortunately overshadows the goodwill fostered by the ATIV Odyssey’s internal respectability.

It’s difficult to recommend the ATIV Odyssey given that there is nothing particularly distinguishing or remarkable about the phone. It has the benefits of a stellar UI in Windows Phone 8 but doesn’t have a first-rate app catalog, or even one that’s as good as what’s offered by Nokia. The HTC 8X is obviously superior, so the only benefit the ATIV Odyssey has is its $49.99 price. However, the extra $50 to purchase an 8X will pay off in the long run, and anyone who is budget conscious could just as easily get the Nokia Lumia 822 and enjoy a better phone for the same price. The Samsung ATIV Odyssey is a decent phone, but there’s no reason to select this phone over the other options at Verizon. Sadly, the ATIV Odyssey lacks the staying power to warrant such an epic name.